Buddhist Prayers: Gongyo and the Lotus Sutra

Nichiren Shoshu Buddhists recite the sutra, called Gongyo, everyday. The sutra refers to the Lotus Sutra. Our founder, Nichiren Daishonin, states in the Gosho, “On the Four Stages of Faith and the Five Stages of Practice:”

The five characters of Myo-Ho-Renge-Kyo are not merely the text of the sutra, nor its meaning. They are nothing other than the intent of the Lotus Sutra. (Gosho, p. 1114)*

At our next New Member Meeting, our Chief Priest will continue our study of the Basics of Practice book, Chapter 3, How To Do Gongyo. He will explain about the Lotus Sutra and significance of the lotus flower.